Don't break your arms

[saline]

Fiamma awning arms that is.... $200 for one arm and $50 for the center rafter support. Ouch!

Lesson learned...again.

[Roonie]

How did that happen?

[macmcintire]

I learned the same lesson. My arm broke when a huge gust of wind picked up my staked down awning. I also found out how difficult it is to understand the Fiamma catalog. I couldn't figure out which was the right part, so I had to call them. The guy there was very helpful and knew exactly what I needed.

[saline]

Originally Posted by Roonie

How did that happen?

Last November 50mph winds that came up suddenly in Saline Valley. My cargo carrier on the roof was not latched (again) the lid blew off and came down hard on top of the awning breaking the center rafter and arm.

[daveb]

Sorry to hear that but am surprised the wind didn't mess with the awning itself. I guess that's a plus for the awning's resistance to high gusts when it's stakes out correctly. I worry about medium bouts of wind.

[Ford_6L_E350]

That is the primary reason I attach the awning legs to the body of the van - much harder for the wind to take the awning for a ride. At Toroweap, we had some pretty strong gusts with no effect on the awning.

Mike

[saabman]

You could also use something like this:
http://www.fiammastore.com/Awning-and-T ... e-Down-Kit

[saline]

When in the desert we usually stake it down and also tie 5 gallon water containers to the edges as well.